The Northern Ireland capital plans to make itself one of the most connected
cities in Europe with widespread Wi-Fi to cover Belfast by 2015. Guaranteed
funding of £6 million is already available through Westminster's plans to
create
Super Connected Cities. Further funding is possible through the scheme, and
the Belfast City Council will be putting forward a bid which it hopes will more
than double this funding.

Part of the proposals from the city include 100% city-wide broadband
coverage by 2015 with 50% take-up amongst businesses and the public sector. It
also hopes to achieve 50% take-up of ultrafast broadband within the digital-led
industry. Wi-Fi is planned across the city centre, reaching out up-to five
kilometres in radius, with access available at transport hubs, conference
venues and other key public places.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity to place Belfast at the leading edge
of technology across Europe and give us the infrastructure to build successful
international businesses and attract further foreign direct investment.

This is not just a Belfast City Council bid – this will benefit the entire
city and we need all to declare their support urgently as the closing date is
just around the corner at the end of July."